Renowned evangelist Rev Dr Rieweh Robert Cunville, associate evangelist of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, passed away at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong on Friday after a brief illness. He was 86.
It may be mentioned that Rev. Robert Cunville attended the “Nagaland United: A Gathering of Faith, Hope and Revival” as guest speaker in Kohima on November 30, 2025 after Rev. Franklin Graham could not attend due to visa-related issues.
State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) have mourned the demise of Rev. Cunville.
In a condolence message, Rio said Rev. Cunville’s demise was an irreparable loss to the global Christian community and to all whose lives were touched and transformed by his faithful ministry.
Rio said Rev. Cunville’s calling to ministry began early and shaped a lifetime of devoted service.
The chief minister said Rev. Cunville, known for his humility, courage, and deep faith, touched the lives of both Christians and non-Christians alike, carrying the message of Christ wherever God led him.
He recalled that Rev. Cunville was closely associated with Nagaland. Rio said late reverend’s leadership and involvement in the Billy Graham Crusade at Kohima in 1972, as the Secretary of North East Christian Council, were instrumental in ensuring the successful organisation and spiritual impact of the event for countless Nagas. “It sowed seeds of faith, hope, and awakening that continue to bear fruit today,” Rio added.
Rio also stated that Rev. Cunville’s recent visit to Kohima on November 30, 2025 would remain a cherished and historic moment for Nagaland.
The chief minister on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and the Christian community of the State, convey condolences to the family, colleagues, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Rio prayed that the Almighty Lord grant them comfort, strength, and peace and the departed soul to rest in peace.
KBPF: Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) expressed sorrow over the passing of Rev. Dr. Robert R. Cunville, saying his unwavering commitment to proclaiming the message of salvation, his pastoral heart, and his Christ-centred witness have left an enduring legacy in the global Christian community.
In a condolence note, KBPF president Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü and general secretary Dr. S. N. Among Jamir said Rev. Cunville was a faithful servant of God, a gifted preacher of the Gospel, and a humble ambassador of Christ whose life and ministry touched countless lives across the world.
KBPF stated that the Church in Nagaland would especially cherish the memory of Rev. Dr. Cunville’s recent visit to Kohima, where he ministered the Word of God with clarity, grace, and spiritual depth as the main speaker at “Nagaland United: A Gathering of Faith, Hope and
Revival.”
On behalf of the pastors and churches under KBPF, the president and general secretary conveyed sympathies to the bereaved family, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and the wider Christian family. The pastors prayed that the God would surround them with His peace and sustaining grace during this time of grief.
CFD: Christian Forum Dimapur has expressed pain over the passing of Rev. Dr. R. R. Cunville, a renowned Indian evangelist and long-time associate of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
In a condolence message, CFD president Dr. Alem Sangtam described Rev. Dr. Cunville’s demise as a great loss to the global Christian community, noting that he served the Lord faithfully and tirelessly until his final moments. It paid tribute to his lifelong dedication to preaching the Gospel and advancing God’s kingdom with humility and conviction.
The forum recalled that Rev. Dr. Cunville remained actively engaged in evangelism even in his later years and had arrived in Dimapur in late November 2025 for programmes associated with the Billy Graham organisation. His messages consistently emphasised peace, unity, faith, and revival, resonating deeply with Christian communities in Nagaland and beyond.
The Forum honoured his legacy of unwavering service to God, his contribution to evangelism, and his role in promoting unity and harmony among believers. The forum conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and the global Christian fraternity, praying that God grant them comfort and strength during this time of grief.